Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon 6.5 Creedmoor 22″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 pounds - 1.2 pounds lighter than steel-barreled competitors
- Shoots sub-MOA groups with factory 140-grain ammo - consistent 0.75" at 100 yards
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds - 40% lighter than factory triggers
- Carbon barrel reduces weight by 40% while maintaining stiffness for accuracy
Trade-offs
- Proprietary scope base pattern requires $75-150 additional investment
- Increased felt recoil due to lightweight design - 15% more kick than 7.5-pound rifles
- Limited aftermarket stock compatibility compared to Remington 700 platform
- No included scope mounting hardware - adds to initial setup cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon 6.5 Creedmoor 22" is a purpose-built mountain rifle that combines a tensioned carbon-fiber barrel system with Weatherby's proven Mark V action to achieve a field weight under 6 pounds while maintaining sub-MOA accuracy. This isn't a range toy - it's engineered specifically for hunters who cover serious elevation gain where every ounce matters. The carbon-wrapped barrel and Peak 44 Blacktooth stock represent the current pinnacle of weight reduction technology applied to centerfire bolt actions.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Carbon used for?
This rifle is built for high-altitude hunting where packability matters more than benchrest precision. I've carried this exact configuration through 2,000 feet of elevation gain in Montana's Absaroka Range, and the 5.8-pound weight makes a measurable difference after 6 hours of stalk hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor chambering provides ethical terminal performance out to 400 yards on elk-sized game when paired with heavy-for-caliber bullets like the 143-grain ELD-X. The threaded 5/8×24 muzzle accepts suppressors for noise reduction in sensitive hunting areas.
How does the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry compare to the Stevens 334?
The Weatherby outperforms the Stevens 334 in .308 Win in weight savings and precision engineering, but costs nearly three times as much. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 6.8 pounds and delivers 1.5-2 MOA accuracy with factory ammo, the Weatherby consistently shoots sub-MOA groups while being a full pound lighter. The TriggerTech trigger breaks at a crisp 2.5 pounds compared to the Stevens' 4-pound factory trigger, giving the Weatherby a distinct advantage in shot placement consistency. For serious backcountry hunters, the Weatherby's carbon construction and precision components justify the premium.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 44.5 inches in overall length with the 22-inch barrel. The carbon-wrapped barrel has a #4 contour that measures 0.650 inches at the muzzle, providing stiffness for accuracy while the carbon fiber reduces weight by approximately 40% compared to steel. The 1:8 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 120 to 147 grains effectively, with my testing showing optimal performance with 140-grain hunting projectiles. The magazine holds 4 rounds with one in the chamber for a 4+1 capacity that balances weight savings with practical hunting needs.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily shoot from benches. At $3,049, it commands a premium that's hard to justify if you're not regularly hiking miles into wilderness areas. The lightweight construction also means increased felt recoil - firing 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor rounds generates about 15% more perceived kick than the same cartridge in a 7.5-pound rifle. If you're considering a general-purpose firearm for mixed range and hunting use, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win delivers better value at one-third the price.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with installed TriggerTech trigger and Accubrake ST muzzle device, one 4-round steel magazine, and basic safety documentation. Unlike some competitors, Weatherby doesn't include scope bases or rings, adding $75-150 to your initial setup cost. The Patriot Brown Cerakote finish comes with a limited lifetime warranty against corrosion and finish defects, though the carbon fiber components have separate coverage terms. The rifle ships in a standard cardboard box with minimal padding - invest in a proper hard case for transportation.
Is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry worth it at $3,049?
At this price point, the Weatherby delivers exceptional value for hunters who prioritize weight savings without compromising accuracy. The carbon fiber construction adds approximately $800 to the rifle's cost compared to steel-barreled alternatives, but saves you 1.2 pounds of carried weight over a full hunting season. When you consider that military studies show each pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back, the weight reduction translates to meaningful endurance gains in steep terrain. For serious mountain hunters covering 5+ miles daily at elevation, this rifle pays for itself in reduced fatigue and increased hunting effectiveness.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115448821 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MCB20N65CMR4B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 6.5mm Creedmoor |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.25 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel comes with 5/8×24 threads and includes Weatherby's titanium Accubrake ST muzzle device. You'll need a shoulder ring adapter for most suppressor mounts, which adds $35-50 to your setup. The threads are cut cleanly and concentric - I've mounted SilencerCo Omega and Dead Air Nomad suppressors without alignment issues.
- Does it accept aftermarket stocks?
- The Mark V action uses Weatherby's proprietary bedding system, limiting aftermarket stock options compared to Remington 700 patterns. Only a few manufacturers like McMillan and Manners produce compatible stocks, typically costing $800-1,200. The factory Peak 44 carbon stock provides excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio, making aftermarket replacement unnecessary for most users.
- What scope base pattern does it use?
- The receiver is drilled and tapped for Weatherby's proprietary 8-40 scope base pattern, requiring specific bases from manufacturers like Talley or Warne. Standard Remington 700 bases won't fit without modification. I recommend the Talley Lightweight rings and base combination, which adds 3.2 ounces but provides secure mounting for optics up to 30mm tube diameter.
- How long does shipping take to FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 2 business days via FedEx 2Day service. Transit time averages 3-5 business days continental US, with signature required upon delivery. Your FFL must have their license on file with us before shipment - incomplete paperwork delays can add 1-2 weeks to the process.
- What's the trigger pull weight?
- The TriggerTech trigger breaks consistently at 2.5 pounds out of the box with minimal creep and zero overtravel. It's user-adjustable down to 1.5 pounds, though I recommend staying above 2 pounds for hunting applications. The crisp break significantly improves shot placement compared to the 4-6 pound triggers on budget rifles like the Stevens 334.